DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan has urged Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim to reveal who allegedly coerced him into signing a proclamation seeking the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the state’s ruler.
Syahredzan said Ismail’s claim that he was forced to sign the document was serious and lent credence to a report by Singapore’s The Straits Times on the matter.
“Who forced the menteri besar to sign the document? Is it true there were top Umno leaders involved in this episode? That’s what Straits Times reported.
“The menteri besar should reveal what actually transpired. The authorities must investigate this allegation,” he said in a Facebook post.
Syahredzan said the issue had now gone beyond Negeri Sembilan, as the latest development involved the continuity and security of the nation’s rulers and institutions.
Document allegedly seeking ruler’s removal
At a press conference last night, four purported undangs showed a document allegedly containing a proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
The document, dated Aug 3, was said to have been signed by Ismail and the four chieftains.
The chieftains, whose positions are also disputed, claimed that Ismail had signed the proclamation under Article 10(2) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.
Earlier today, Ismail said he had signed the document under duress and had lodged a police report yesterday for an investigation.
Ismail rejects validity of proclamation
The Umno menteri besar rejected the validity of the document, saying it did not comply with the processes and procedures provided for under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.
Ismail had previously also denied that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was involved in attempts to remove Tuanku Muhriz.
